Month: February 2011

The Metal Bunny hopped into our lives on February 3, 2011. In Chinese astrology, Rabbits are traditionally considered to be artistic, gentle souls who quietly go about their business, avoiding any hint of conflict. They really don’t want to rock the boat. Prolific and creatively gifted, they are known for their good taste and diplomatic skills as well as their incredible luck. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

Although these characteristics are certainly there, you’re in for a surprise if you’re expecting a smooth ride. Mythologically, rabbits are full of contradictions – symbolizing cleverness and foolishness, femininity and androgyny, cowardice and courage, rampant sexuality and virginal purity. Be forewarned: This year’s Rabbit is one tough bunny!

The Rabbit shares the Wood element with Tiger and Dragon. Wood is upward moving chi, connected with the spring season. Rabbit comes smack dab in the middle of it when trees and plants are flourishing. Flowers, grass, and branches of trees, the Rabbit represents youth and movement and brings a very energetic year with young people driving movements for change and reform in politics, the environment, and the social establishment.

As we experienced last year, Metal sits on top of Wood. But this time, it’s Yin Metal, whereas last year it was Yang. Yin metal is “small” metal but with all the same connotations that metal evokes. It is still shiny and valuable, but more like a delicate bracelet than a gold bar. Still sharp, but more like a small knife or dagger than a sword. The Yin Metal Rabbit is a “steel magnolia” — beautiful and charming on the surface, but tough as steel at its core.

And whether in a yin or yang phase, Metal’s nature is to control (some would say destroy) Wood. Obviously not an easy relationship! Interestingly, the Rabbit represents the small bones of the neck and back and with a Metal dagger pointing there, watch out. Expect the Rabbit to maintain the peace externally even though conflict, disharmony, tension, betrayal, shifting loyalty, and the possibility of surprise attacks still remain.

Since Rabbit is considered the symbol of trees and the environment, we can expect that Metal attacking Wood in 2011 would also cause accidents leading to more environmental devastation. Recall last year’s volcanic ash cloud, fires in Moscow, and the BP oil spill. It’s likely that the environment will suffer again this year. July, September, and October are the months when Metal is strong and Wood is under attack and could suffer setbacks.

Metal represents the Lung energy in Chinese medicine and by extension the air we breathe. The conflict involving Wood and Metal that began last year with the Metal Tiger indicates more health issues related to air quality, asthma, passive cigarette smoke, flu, TB, etc. Since Wood is under attack, Fire is weak, affecting blood circulation, heart rhythms, and the health of the stomach (Earth element not getting enough chi from Fire….). Add Co-Q10, anti-oxidants, B vitamins, and fish oils to your diet to help deal with stress and keep your skin and internal organs healthy. Engage in regular colon cleansing, Chi Nei Tsang (abdominal massage), and practice qigong by healthy trees or clean water. Whatever you do, make sure you get enough exercise. Real rabbits require a minimum of four hours of exercise a day and they can suffer from osteoporosis if they lay around too much.

We know how prolific Rabbits can be and in Chinese astrology, the bunny is also known as “Peach Blossom” or “Flower of Romance”. Sex is in the air bringing more than the usual number of scandals from the famous and the infamous. This is good for the entertainment industry as well as for fashion and beauty businesses.

Asians consider the Rabbit Year a financially lucky one so expect a basically positive year with frequent ups and downs and bunny hops but ending on a positive note for the year. Precious metals (gold, silver, and platinum), oil, gas and other natural resources will do well. Anything related to Wood (paper) will not have such a good year –newspapers, lumber, real estate, and currency dealers. Industries related to Fire and Earth elements will also do well as Metal energy is money energy for Fire and Earth energy produces Metal – hotel and mining industries will be quite productive but might not generate profits since Water is lacking.. Businesses relating to water such as shipping, communication, liquids, and spa will conservatively move ahead.

Bunnies need to move around and this year, you will be following their lead. People will act cautiously and look for predators as they dart back and forth. Remember that one of the positive aspects of Yin Metal is justice and loyalty. Hopefully, this energy will help our world’s leaders to make wise decisions to minimize disagreements and conflicts and to preserve peace and harmony.

After Tiger’s turmoil, the Rabbit will provide the time to rest and catch your breath, to enjoy art and music, your friends and family, and the finer things in life. This is the best way to handle Bunny Nature. Create a safe, peaceful lifestyle surrounded by beauty so that you can calmly deal with whatever comes your way.

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